Monsoon Expedition

 

In India, the arrival of the monsoon, one of the most intense weather phenomena in the world, is awaited with great anticipation. Every year, around 1st June, after months of searing temperatures and drought, the south-western arm of the monsoon finally reaches the shores of the subcontinent in Kerala, where it begins its long journey northward, to the Himalayas.

In the days that precede the arrival of the rain-laden clouds, the atmosphere on the ground is charged with eagerness and expectation. Then, as the rains sweep across the land, people mark their arrival with festivals and celebrations. In the natural world, this is also a time of renewal and abundance in which animals feast on lush vegetation.

Capricious, unpredictable and awesome, the monsoon has inspired artists, writers and musicians for thousands of years. In our exploration of this fascinating phenomenon and its effects on nature and people, we will travel across a variety of environments that will allow us to witness and document this magic event as it unfolds.

Contrary to popular belief, during the monsoon the rains do not persist throughout each day but generally fall in strong, short bursts followed by periods of often intense, sunshine. The dramatic and fast-changing light conditions that develop during this time of the year, present photographers with a unique set of challenges and opportunities.

 

Dates: 29 May-10 June 2008
This Expedition begins and ends in Kochi, Kerala, India. Dates refer to actual days on the ground (12 nights).
Expedition Leader: Dariusz Klemens
Participants: 6-8
Cost: £ 2150
Includes:Tuition. 12 nights luxury accommodation, on twin-share basis, with full-board (breakfast, lunch and dinner). One day & one night cruise on luxury Kettuvalam houseboat along the Backwaters. All transfers within Kerala by private, air-conditioned vehicles, and first class train. Local guides and all entrance fees.

 

Notes:

The group will meet in Kochi, Kerala, and transfer to the village of Mararikulam on day one of the Expedition. We will then travel to the southernmost tip of the Indian subcontinent to await the arrival of the monsoon in the pilgrimage town of Kanniyakumari in Tamil Nadu; looking over the point where the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean, and the Arabian Sea meet, the town is ideally located to witness the arrival of the rains.

We will then travel north with the rains, along the Malabar Coast to the ancient port-town of Kochi, stopping on the way to cruise along Kerala’s famed Backwaters and explore the shores of Vembanad Lake.

As this Expedition endeavours to follow an unpredictable weather phenomenon, great flexibility and a sense of adventure are essential to participate. The Expeditions is timed to coincide with the arrival of the monsoon; this generally reaches Kerala around the 1st June, but the date of its onset cannot be guaranteed. The days that precede the rains are full of photographic opportunities, as the dark, gathering clouds provide a dramatic backdrop to the exotic locations we discover.

While the rains pleasantly cool the atmosphere, temperatures and humidity are high throughout this Expedition, making shooting conditions often demanding. Changes to our schedule are likely and protective rain gear for all photographic equipment is essential.

Accommodation is in luxury hotels throughout the journey, including seven nights in the properties of CGH Earth. The Monsoon is traditionally considered the best time to receive Ayurvedic treatments, and most of our hotels offer professional Ayurvedic centres employing traditional methods and ingredients.

 

For a sample of images from the area please visit our Kerala Gallery.

You can request further details of this Expedition by using our Contact page.